Privatization Process of State-Owned Entities Continues

Islamabad: The privatization process of state-owned institutions is continuing, with key steps including the appointment of financial advisors, due diligence, and open bidding procedures.

Out of eleven electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), nine have been included in the privatization program. These include the distribution companies of Islamabad, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Hyderabad, Hyderabad Electric, Peshawar, and Sukkur.

The electricity distribution companies of Quetta and the tribal areas are not part of the privatization list. For the privatization of three distribution companies, an international consortium has been appointed as a financial advisor.

Authorities said that the process of meeting pre-conditions and conducting due diligence is currently underway prior to privatization. Agreements have already been finalized with financial advisors for the Hyderabad and Sukkur distribution companies.

The Power Division remains responsible for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, while electricity tariffs are charged in accordance with rates determined by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).